Young musicians display their talents at 30th annual conference

The Peoria Civic Center often is home to talented musicians, but it doesn’t always house so many at once.

About 1,500 students and 2,000 music educators invaded the Peoria Civic Center for the 2013 Illinois Music Education Conference, which began Wednesday night and runs through Saturday evening.

JESSE O’BRIEN

The Peoria Civic Center often is home to talented musicians, but it doesn’t always house so many at once.

About 1,500 students and 2,000 music educators invaded the Peoria Civic Center for the 2013 Illinois Music Education Conference, which began Wednesday night and runs through Saturday evening.

Presented by the Illinois Music Education Association, or ILMEA, it is the conference’s 30th year in Peoria. This year’s theme is “Music in the key of change,” with music educators and students alike being presented with the opportunity to learn more about the ever-changing landscape of music education.

“I hope that I can learn more about building my curriculum, learn about what other groups across the state of Illinois are doing, and bring that back to my students,” Limestone Community High School band director Andy Empey said.

In addition to the sessions, there are several performances being held throughout the weekend, including shows by the Illinois All State band, made up of the students attending the conference. Those shows are held Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. with a special Honors All State band performance at 3:30 p.m., and are open to the general public for a $5 admission fee.

The weekend also gives the young musicians an opportunity to connect with colleges and universities in the area, Empey added.

ILMEA executive director Darcy Nendza said about 10,000 visitors are expected in total throughout the weekend.

“We’re just very excited to be here,” Nendza said. “It’s a great conference, (and) there’s a great energy.”

Drew Pikey, a trombone player in the Collinsville High School band in Collinsville, Ill., is one of those hoping to be selected to play in the Honors All State band after auditioning Thursday morning.

“Hopefully (I’ll learn) some techniques on how to play trombone better, I’ll get to make some friends and I’m hoping to broaden my musical knowledge,” Pikey said.

Jesse O’Brien can be reached at 686-3257 or jobrien@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @jesseobrien.